he 6th Annual Eastern Navajo Arts and Crafts Festival was celebrated June 13, 2009. ENACF celebrates the enduring traditions and artistry of Navajo culture in northwest New Mexico. Throughout the day festival visitors sampled indigenous foods prepared from local plants; they bought original creations directly from local silversmiths, weavers, sand painters, sculptors, painters, beadworkers, and quilters; and enjoyed mutton stew, Navajo tacos, frybread, and other refreshments.. This annual event was hosted by Torreon/Star Lake Chapter, a typical Navajo ranching community, located 26 miles southwest of Cuba on state highway 197. Master of ceremony was Leo Charley of Torreon.

Live demonstrations by artisans showed sand paintings, silversmithing, beadwork, and weaving, including how to turn raw wool into finished yarn with handcrafted weaving tools which were available for sale. Musicians and dancers made presentations and this continued throughout the day. A diverse genre of performances have occurred at ENACF. Last year some performances included traditional songs, traditional dances by Sacred Wheel, a drum group from Crownpoint, a performance by Emmet Yazzie and group, traditional dancing; performance by the Native American Church Harmonizers, a Song-and-Dance which is a Navajo round dance honoring veterans, but it could also be a social dance where everyone is welcome to join. Audience participation was definitely invited.

Interested visitors at this year's Eastern Navajo Arts and Crafts Festival participated in unique educational experiences during the day. Last year the festival coordinator Sam Sala guided a tour from Torreon to Chaco Canyon. Also a featured weaver was presented, Rita Rafael conducted a two-day workshop in Torreon helping five beginning weavers. View 2008 photos

ENACF benefits self-employed Navajo artists, food vendors, and other home-based entrepreneurs from the Eastern Navajo Nation Agency. Festival Supporters: Torreon Community Store, Torreon/Star Lake Chapter of the Navajo Nation, NM Tourism Dept. - Indian Tourism Program, and JumpingSun.com.